Leo Martínez
With Jean-Michel Basquiat's works' remaining highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, the authentication process is crucial. The absence of a catalogue raisonné and the disbandment of the authenticating foundation have made the authentication process more challenging. As a result, experts rely on scientific methods, historical records, and personal connections to establish the legitimacy of Basquiat's paintings. Collectors should research the provenance of the artwork and be cautious of certain tell-tale signs of forgeries, such as bold signatures on the front, depictions of gold crowns, references to drugs, and paintings on found objects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Signature | Basquiat rarely signed his works, and never on the front. Fakes often include a bold signature on the front of the canvas. |
| Gold Crown | Basquiat often included crowns in his work, but they were rarely gold or yellow. Fakes often feature a gold crown. |
| Painted Surfaces | Basquiat worked on a variety of surfaces, including doors and football helmets. Fakes may be painted on found objects, like mannequins. |
| Drug References | Despite Basquiat's heroin use, his works rarely referenced drugs. |
| Style | Basquiat's works feature bold, energetic brushstrokes with layers of paint, text, and imagery creating a visually complex narrative. His works often exude a sense of urgency. |
| Colour | Basquiat used premixed colours from a wide range of prepared containers, resulting in sharp colour boundaries. Fakes may feature mixed colours, resulting in less contrast. |
| Handwriting | Basquiat's distinctive handwriting is a key indicator of authenticity. |
| Provenance | Research the provenance of the work, including sales receipts and the history of ownership. |
| Scientific Techniques | Radiocarbon dating can be used to determine the age of organic materials in artworks created after the 1950s. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the signature
When it comes to verifying the authenticity of a Basquiat painting, scrutinising the signature is crucial. Jean-Michel Basquiat, known for his unique blend of street art, graffiti, and neo-expressionism, rarely signed his works boldly on the front of the canvas. In fact, his signature usually became a dominant compositional element, yet he never signed his name prominently on the front. Thus, if you encounter a Basquiat painting with a large, conspicuous signature on the front, it's likely a forgery.
Basquiat's hand and style were so distinctive that those intimately familiar with his work can often tell instantly if a painting is genuine. His works are characterised by recurring motifs and symbols integral to his artistic language, such as crowns, skeletal structures, fragmented figures, and cryptic text. Authentic pieces seamlessly weave these elements with Basquiat's consistent use of bold, energetic brushstrokes that convey a raw and immediate quality. His works often exude a sense of urgency, with layers of paint, text, and imagery overlapping to create a visually complex narrative.
It's important to note that many of Basquiat's works are unsigned, so the presence of a signature alone doesn't guarantee authenticity. Additionally, while a crown is a common motif in his work, forgers tend to make these gold or yellow, whereas Basquiat didn't restrict himself to this colour scheme. Therefore, a gold or yellow crown, especially if it's the focal point of the painting, should raise suspicion.
To further authenticate a signed Basquiat painting, it's essential to research its provenance. This includes examining historical records, ownership history, and any personal connections associated with the artwork. Radiocarbon dating, a scientific technique developed in the 1950s, can also be instrumental in determining the age of the materials used in the painting, especially for pieces created after the 1950s.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that obtaining a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for a Basquiat painting can provide peace of mind. Reputable authentication services, such as Richard Polsky Art Authentication, specialise in verifying the works of Basquiat and can offer valuable expertise. However, it's important to exercise caution and rely on a combination of scientific methods, historical research, and expert opinions to establish the legitimacy of Basquiat's paintings confidently.
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Examine the crown
Crowns are a recurring motif in Basquiat's work, and they are an important part of his artistic iconography. However, it is important to note that Basquiat did not make the crown the focal point of his paintings. While authentic Basquiat paintings may include a crown, they are rarely painted in a gold or yellow colour. Fakes often feature a gold crown, perhaps because forgers have seized upon this well-known motif.
When examining the crown in a Basquiat painting, it is important to consider its presence and execution in relation to the artist's other works. Basquiat's works are characterised by bold, energetic brushstrokes and a raw, immediate quality. His paintings often exude a sense of urgency, with layers of paint, text, and imagery overlapping to create a visually complex narrative. Therefore, when examining the crown, look for these distinctive brushstrokes and the way it interacts with other elements in the painting.
Another important factor to consider is the colour palette used in the painting. Basquiat typically used premixed colours from prepared containers, resulting in sharply defined colour fields. If the painting exhibits a limited palette with mixed colours, such as greens, oranges, and purples, it may be a sign of a fake.
Additionally, pay attention to the placement and size of the crown in relation to other elements in the composition. Basquiat's works often feature a balance between the various motifs and symbols, so a crown that dominates the composition may be a cause for concern.
Finally, it is worth noting that Basquiat rarely included references to drugs in his paintings, despite his heroin habit. Therefore, the presence of drug-related references in close proximity to the crown or elsewhere in the painting may be a tell-tale sign of a forgery.
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Research its provenance
Researching the provenance of a Basquiat painting is an essential step in determining its authenticity. The process involves meticulously tracing the ownership history of the artwork and establishing its legitimacy. Here are some crucial steps and considerations to keep in mind when researching the provenance of a Basquiat painting:
Firstly, it is imperative to consult reliable sources and reference materials. This includes seeking out the expertise of art historians and scholars who have an in-depth understanding of Basquiat's work and the art market. They can provide valuable insights and help verify the painting's provenance. Additionally, it is worth examining the records and archives of reputable galleries, auction houses, and art institutions associated with Basquiat's career. These entities often maintain meticulous records of sales, exhibitions, and ownership transfers, which can help establish the painting's chain of custody.
Secondly, when researching provenance, it is beneficial to gather as much documentation as possible related to the painting's history. This includes sales receipts, bills of sale, ownership certificates, and any other relevant paperwork. Such documentation serves as tangible evidence of the artwork's transaction history and can help validate its authenticity. It is also worth noting that the involvement of reputable galleries or auction houses in the sales process adds a layer of credibility to the painting's provenance. Their firsthand knowledge and recollection of the sale can contribute significantly to the authentication process.
Moreover, establishing a reliable ownership chain is crucial when researching provenance. This involves identifying the previous owners of the painting and, if possible, contacting them to confirm the details of their ownership and any relevant documentation they may possess. In some cases, a detailed history of ownership, including the identities of previous owners, can be a strong indicator of authenticity. Additionally, the availability of restoration reports can also play a vital role in the authentication journey. These reports not only shed light on the painting's conservation history but can also reveal alterations or inconsistencies that may impact its provenance.
Lastly, when researching the provenance of a Basquiat painting, it is essential to remain vigilant for any red flags or inconsistencies. This includes discrepancies in the ownership history, gaps in documentation, or questionable transactions. It is crucial to approach the research process with a keen eye for detail and a healthy scepticism. Additionally, it is worth consulting specialised authentication services or experts in the field, such as the now-disbanded Authentication Committee of the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, which reviewed over 2,000 works during its existence.
In summary, researching the provenance of a Basquiat painting requires a meticulous approach that involves gathering documentation, consulting experts, verifying ownership histories, and remaining vigilant for any discrepancies. By following these steps, you can make a more informed assessment of the painting's authenticity and help safeguard Basquiat's extraordinary legacy.
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Look for references to drugs
Despite Jean-Michel Basquiat's well-known struggles with heroin and cocaine, references to drugs are rarely found in his artwork. Basquiat's works are characterised by recurring motifs and symbols, including crowns, skeletal structures, fragmented figures, and cryptic text, all of which are integral to his artistic language. However, direct references to narcotics are notably absent.
Basquiat's short career was marked by his self-destructive nature, which was evident not only in his paintings but also in his lifestyle. As his fame and wealth grew, so did his drug addiction. He lived lavishly, throwing parties and dining in expensive restaurants. He was known for his eccentricity, often painting in designer suits that would end up covered in paint.
Basquiat's close friend, Martin Aubert, recalled an encounter with the artist at the end of 1980: "He was covered with paint and shivering. He said, 'I'm on heroin. I guess you don't approve of that, but I have decided the true path to creativity is to burn out.' He mentioned Janis Joplin, Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker. I said, 'All those people are dead, Jean.' He said, 'If that's what it takes...'"
Basquiat's drug use was also noted by others, such as musician Nile Rodgers, who spoke of the artist's cocaine use, and Anthony Haden-Guest, who wrote about Basquiat's final days, which included drug use and a Bryan Ferry after-show party. Despite these accounts of his drug use, Basquiat rarely included explicit references to drugs in his artwork.
Therefore, when examining a purported Basquiat painting, the absence of drug references, while not definitive, may be considered a potential indicator of authenticity. However, it is essential to evaluate the work using a combination of scientific methods, historical records, and personal connections to establish its legitimacy conclusively.
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Authenticate the surface
When authenticating the surface of a Basquiat painting, it is important to look out for certain tell-tale signs that can help determine whether the work is genuine or not.
Firstly, Basquiat's works are known for their bold, energetic brushstrokes that convey a raw and immediate quality. His works often exude a sense of urgency, with layers of paint, text, and imagery overlapping to create a visually complex narrative. This distinctive style, characterised by recurring motifs and symbols, is integral to Basquiat's artistic language. Authentic pieces will showcase these elements in a way that aligns with Basquiat's consistent use throughout his career. Therefore, examining the presence and execution of these symbols can be a key factor in authentication.
Secondly, Basquiat rarely made the crown the focal point of his compositions, despite it being a well-known motif. While not all crowns depicted in genuine Basquiats are painted in a different colour, for some reason, they are usually not gold or yellow in authentic works. Forgers seem to have seized upon Basquiat's use of the crown, assuming that its inclusion automatically signifies a genuine Basquiat.
Thirdly, Basquiat did not sign his works on the front of the canvas. Fakes, on the other hand, always bear a signature, and these signatures tend to be dominant compositional elements. Basquiat's works are often unsigned, but when they are signed, they may be signed on the verso with a crown above the initials "JMB".
Finally, Basquiat was known for his unique blend of street art, graffiti, and neo-expressionism, and his works are often painted on a multiplicity of objects and surfaces, such as doors and football helmets. However, this knowledge is used by forgers to their advantage, who paint on found objects to mimic Basquiat's style. Therefore, the surface of a Basquiat painting may vary, but it is important to look for other authenticating factors in conjunction with the surface to determine its genuineness.
In conclusion, when authenticating the surface of a Basquiat painting, it is crucial to look beyond the mere support or material and instead focus on the stylistic elements, motifs, and symbols that characterise his works. By examining the presence and execution of these distinctive features, one can make a more informed judgement about the authenticity of a Basquiat painting.
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Frequently asked questions
Jean-Michel Basquiat's works are characterised by recurring motifs and symbols, including crowns, skeletal structures, fragmented figures, and cryptic text. Authentic pieces will showcase these elements in a way that aligns with Basquiat's consistent use throughout his career. Basquiat's technique is marked by bold, energetic brushstrokes that convey a raw and immediate quality. His works often exude a sense of urgency, with layers of paint, text, and imagery overlapping to create a visually complex narrative.
Basquiat rarely signed his works, especially not on the front of the canvas. Fakes, on the other hand, always bear a signature, usually a bold one on the front that becomes a dominant compositional element. Another common feature in fakes is the depiction of a gold crown. While Basquiat did use crowns in his works, they were not always painted gold or yellow, whereas in fakes, they usually are.
Authentication of a Basquiat painting can be a multifaceted challenge. Some other methods that can be used include scientific techniques such as radiocarbon dating, historical records, and personal connections. Possessing a sales receipt from a reputable gallery or auction house can also be a key element in establishing authenticity.
Basquiat's works are known for their unique blend of street art, graffiti, and neo-expressionism. Fakes may not capture this blend effectively and may instead appear to be done by a young artist who is heavily influenced by Basquiat. Basquiat's works also showcase a wide range of colours, often with sharp boundaries between them, whereas fakes may show more limited palettes with colours that are mixed and overlapped.
